The memory shortage may have more implications for the OLED industry, Valve admits it cannot produce more Steam Deck OLED devices due to memory shortage

In recent weeks we have started hearing that the global memory chip shortage may have implications for the OLED industry. One example was Omdia's forecast that as memory prices are rising sharply, smartphone makers will opt for lower-cost LCDs over OLEDs in some devices to offset the cost, and so OLED smartphone panel shipments will drop slightly in 2026.

A couple of days ago, Valve announced that it is facing challenges in its memory supply chain, and so its Steam Deck OLED gaming console will only be available only intermittently in some regions, and some US buyers haven't been able to order it.

It is likely that we will hear more news like that, which could cause a drop in demand for OLED panels, and bad news for OLED producers. This is somewhat reminding the situation we saw following the COVID pandemic, as shortage in  ICs meant that OLED makers cannot produce enough modules. It is likely that this memory shortage will not last long, but it could be here for a few years and the OLED industry should get ready.

The Steam Deck OLED has a 7.4" 90Hz 1000 nits (peak) 1280x800 touch AMOLED display, produced by Samsung Display.